Spotlight of the Week: Sheema Sen Gupta – Championing Child Protection at UNICEF

In August 2023, Sheema Sen Gupta assumed the pivotal role of Director, Child Protection at UNICEF. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Ms. Sen Gupta brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the advocacy and protection of child rights, particularly in challenging and complex humanitarian contexts.

Ms. Sen Gupta’s journey with UNICEF is marked by her extensive work in both development and emergency situations. Her career is distinguished by her ability to lead programs that bring sustainable changes to systems, policies, and service delivery for children and women. Her leadership roles as Representative in Iraq and Deputy Representative in Afghanistan and Bangladesh underscore her commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable.

Before these senior positions, Ms. Sen Gupta was the Chief of Child Protection Programme in Somalia and Ghana, where she spearheaded initiatives to protect children in some of the most difficult environments. Her early work at UNICEF focused on developing psychosocial support programs for emergency responses, a testament to her deep understanding of the psychological needs of children in crisis.

Over the past 23 years, Ms. Sen Gupta’s work has taken her across the globe, including assignments in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Ghana, Somalia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Her global perspective and hands-on experience in diverse settings have equipped her with unique insights into the multifaceted challenges of child protection.

Prior to her tenure at UNICEF, Ms. Sen Gupta practiced as a psychologist and worked with The Calcutta Samaritans, further honing her skills in providing critical support to those in need. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, which has been instrumental in her approach to child protection and advocacy.

As a Malaysian national, Ms. Sen Gupta’s career reflects a deep commitment to making a difference on an international scale. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire and drive forward the mission of UNICEF in protecting and uplifting children worldwide.

Sheema Sen Gupta’s remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to child protection make her a deserving feature in our Spotlight of the Week. Her work not only highlights the importance of protecting children’s rights but also demonstrates the impactful role of compassionate and skilled leadership in humanitarian efforts.